Horaire
Monday evening : class from 19h to 20h30 followed by 30 minutes of free sparring time.
The required age for the class is 16.
The language used in class is french but english can also be used if needed.
Content of the class :
The classes are divided in 2 mains parts: civilian and military fighting. The “civilian” lessons focus on self-defense weapons and bare hands fighting while military focus on typical infantry weapons like saber and bayonet.
Half of the course is dedicated to the practice of military saber. The sources used are mainly English and come from the Cateran system (a synthesis of the main Scottish fencing masters of the 18th and early 19th centuries). We mainly use sabers for practice, but the system applies equally well to sabers, “baskethilt swords”, spadroons, and other similar one-handed swords. Single sticks are also used from time to time for training.
Occasionally, we also address other weapons and other sources. In 2024-2025 we will practice some Bolognese fencing (1-handed sword + shield and two-handed sword).
The second half of the course is dedicated to a variety of other weapons from this period:
Defense cane (French Style – Lecour, Charlemont and Vigny )
Light and heavy baton (Joinville style, and Meyer style for the baton and 16th century polearm, Pinette style bayonet)
Bare hands / Savate – French Boxing (Source Lecour, Charlemont, Casseux as well as some Bartitsu / jiujutsu)
There is room as well for more experienced practitioners to propose exercises to practice together as well as some aspects of the sources they want to dig in deeper.
Equipment
No equipment is required for trial classes.
Subsequently, we expect participants to equip themselves as soon as possible with a fencing mask specific to the practice of historical martial arts, as well as a pair of light gloves.
For sparring, it is possible to start at very low intensity with minimal equipment. However, the need to equip oneself more fully to avoid injuries and to be able to practice at a higher intensity will quickly become apparent.
The following protective equipment can be useful for all classes:
- Forearm protection
- Heavier gloves, suitable for sparring
- Light chest protector
- Padded trousers or equivalent protection
- Knee protection
Optionally and/or for potential competitions:
- HEMA jacket
- Shin guards
- Gorget
- Groin protection
- …
We have a series of weapons available for loan, as well as a few masks and pairs of gloves. Before any investment, do not hesitate to inquire with club members to find out what is the right equipment or not, in order to avoid spending money unnecessarily. This applies to protective equipment but also to weapons when you wish to have your own.
Sources
- The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume I: History and the Canonical Syllabus, Tony Wolf (2005)
- The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume II: Antagonistics, Tony Wolf (2010)
- Manuel de Boxe et de Canne, Emile André (1904)
- L’Art de la Boxe Française: Nouveau Traité Pratique et Théorique, Joseph Charlemont (1899)
- 100 façons de se défendre sans arme, Emile André (1905)
- 100 façons de se défendre avec armes, Emile André(1905)
- Cahier H Baton de Joinville, FFSBF&DA/CNCCB (2018)
- DVD Bartitsu: Historical self defense with walking stick according to Pierre Vigny, Agilitas.tv (vimeo)
- L’art de la savate. Michel Casseux (1845)
- Nouvelle théorie du jeu du jeu de la canne, M. Laribeau (1856)
- The Cateran System (https://cateransociety.org)
- Lessons of the Broadswords Masters. C.Thompson (2nd. ed. 2018)
- The art of defense on foot with the broadsword and the sabre. C. Roworth (1824)
- Macgregor’s lecture on the Art of Defence. A. Mcgregor (1791)
- Royal Armories MS i.33 (1320)
Sources à venir:
- The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume III: What Bartitsu Was and What it Can Be, Tony Wolf (2022)
- The Walking Stick Method of Self Defense, H.G. Lang (1923)
- Théorie de l’escrime a la baïonette, Joseph Pinette (1848)
Instructors
Benjamin Dal
Instructor of stick and staff
Jeremy Royaux
Instructor of saber / broadsword.
Certified saber / broadsword instructor (Cateran system) with a lot of interest in exploring various other sources (bolognese fencing, verdadera destreza,…). Also practiced various martial arts and self defense systems before HEMA.
Ressources
Generics:
Acta Periodica Duellatorum: regular publication of scientific articles covering the domains of HEMA
Resources for the Historical European Martial Arts and Sports Community: articles, sources, ressources, informations
Saber:
History Saber Suite youtube channel – offers many interesting videos about saber, its history and its uses
Academy of Historical Fencing videos introducing the bases of saber (Roworth / Angelo)
Example of high level saber sparring (more Polish saber in this instance)
Example of high level saber sparring (Roworth / Ang